Chain fastener



w. F. CONOVER CHAIN FASTENER Dec. 15, 1931.

Filed Aug. 6. 1951 INVENTOR;

A TTORNEY .4 forth and claimed of the block. The slots Patented Dec. 15, 1931 1 WILLIAM F. conovnn, or LIMA, ILLINOIS v CHAIN FASTENER Application filed August 6, 1931.

This invention relates to chain fasteners.

The main object of the invention is to provide a device by means of which the endsof two chains as for instance. auto tire chains, may be readily and quickly fastened together in such manner that they will not accidentally come'apart yet they nected when desired.

Another object is to provide a chain fastener in a simple, inexpensive, durable and eflicient form.

With these and other objects in view the invention resides in the novel construction and arrangement of parts as hereinafter set reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a side view of the fastener and the two ends of two chains as connected there by.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the fastener showing the end of one chain partially inserted in the fastener.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the fastener showing in dotted lines one link of a chain partiallyinserted in the fastener.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings the reference character 1 designates generally the fastener formed of a substantially rectangular block 2 having an aperture 3 near one end through which is fastened the end link 4 of a chain or by means of which the fastener is secured to any desired device or object. A plurality of spaced apertures 5 are provided in the block 2 and slots or passages 6 are cut in the block and extend from these apertures 5 outward to the edge 6 are obliquely or angularly cut in the block relative to the side faces thereof and to the axes of the apertures 5 and the width. of these slots is somewhat less than the diameter of the apertures 5. The chain to be attached to the fastener has its end links 7 cut away on opposite sides and adjacent each. end as shown at 8 whereby they are may be readily, disconfastener block havln reduced in thickness sufiiciently tended from side to side and beveled around Serial No. 555,424.

to enter the slot enter the apertures 5.

s 6, the remainder of the links of course being of such size as to freely In the operation of connecting-the chain o the fastener or, in other words connect 2 1s grasped in one hand andan end link 7 v 2 ,50 ing the two chains together, the fastener block in the other. The link 7 is then twisted 5 around angularly and turned on edge and e through either of the slots Gas shown in Fig- V is then swung downward and turned around into alignment with the one of the reduced portions 8 slipped down ure 2. The link block 2 causing the rounded end of the link to slip into the aperture 5 as shown in Figure 1.- It will be noted that the block around the ends at 9 to permitthe free play of the rounded ends of the links 7 therethrough. As will be evident this operation is simple and readily the link may be removed from performed and 2 is beveled of the apertures 5 as shown the block by simply reversing the procedure. 1

It is further apparent that the chains can not become accidentally disconnected and the fastener for this reason is particularly adapted for use on tire chains. ber of apertures 5 and slots 6 may be provided in the block 2 and any desired number of the links 7 may be provided with the reduced portions 8 to permit a wide range of adjust ment.

ferred embodiment of my invention, it is un- While I have herein set forth a certainpre- I .70 Any desired numderstood that I may vary from the same in I details so as best to condevice for minor structural struct a practical the purposes intended, not departingfrom the spirit ofthe invention and pended claim.

I claim: I In a chain fastener,

within, the scope of the apa chain having its links reduced in thickness upon opposite sides a and-adjacent their ends, and a rectangular spaced apertures ex v their ends, the said blockhaving slots extended from the apertures out through one edge of the block, the said slots being cut engularly with respect to the vside faces of Y the block andto the axes of the apertures,

5 and the width of the slots being less than the diameter of the apertures and being adapted to receive the reduced portions of the chain links.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

- WILLIAM F. CONOVER. 

